There's no productive quality to fighting. There's frustration and irritation that floods our senses in high emotive situations, and sometimes we should "chill the f*ck out". In "CTFO" by Sleeping Lion, we can see thoughts that rumble through our heads as we're arguing--the anger, the irrationality, and high stakes that make the lines blur and make us not feel as understanding as we usually are. The track sings about how everyone thinks in an argument and how we know that we should "chill out" but layered in a surprisingly upbeat and somewhat jazzy melody. The sense of being overwhelmed happens more often than we would like. "CTFO" is about wanting the reprieve of silence for just a moment to compose ourselves. The composition of "CTFO" is upbeat, the pop track taking on a witty and sassy quality with piano inclusions. It's fun and contrasts with the harsh idea of an argument with this tune that makes us want to sing along. It's an unexpected juxtaposition that makes this track so welcoming. The song states, "I know that I'm not helping things by tryna discuss it". We know that while fighting, we're not in our right minds--we need to calm down before sorting anything out because we'll go around in circles. Sleeping Lion is a stunning pop-adjacent duo. The two members, Nate Flaks and Noah Longworth McGuire, bring us this new single, "CTFO" from their upcoming EP. They had a unique start--meeting in Boston but then deciding to pursue the music scene after they moved, Nate to New York and Noah to Rome, forcing them to create their first few songs together over Skype. The two now live in Los Angeles and are growing speedily, working with countless writers, artists, and producers to create connections and cultivate their sound. In addition to writing stunning tracks, the two host a podcast titled "Talking Lion" in which they dive deeper into the writing and stories behind their songs with their artist friends. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW SLEEPING LION:

“Remind Me” is a tasteful and sophisticated song about the passing of a family member, and how those left behind slowly learn to move on. Grief is a horrific thing, brought on by golden-tinted memories that cycle repeatedly in your mind. It reminds you of the good days and how they will never ever happen again. It’s tough, understanding that and getting over that; learning to miss those who’ve passed but also understanding that they wouldn’t want you to be weighed down by their memory, only to be filled with joy with the memories but able to move on with your life. Written as a tribute to her brother’s passing, Boseman expertly weaves together her poignant lyricism and narratives with an emotive melody along with whimsical ambivalence. The song is sung over the finger-picked guitar and swelling cello, adding to the meditative ease and comfort of the atmosphere of the song. This kind of song is especially driven by the atmosphere and aural calmness, and Boseman’s ethereal voice with the minimalistic production creates an experience that’s tailor-made to the story of the song. Evi Boseman is a Rotterdam-based indie-folk artist whose music manages to be both poignant and comforting. She shows a remarkable aura of deftness and coolness, expertly pairing and utilizing her voice to the highest level on each track. Inspired by Phoebe Bridgers, Adrianne Lenker, and Alan Hampton, Boseman may seem like only one of the many artists within the indie-folk genre, but her narrative direction stands her out from amongst the crowd. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW EVI:

The cinematic track, "auburn lane", casts a hazy polaroid-filter hue over memories of crisp autumnal days when you held hands and heard the crunch of fallen leaves under foot, a couple of weeks before you start to see your breath. The sweet sadness that you continue to nourish has become a part of you and the stirring track details the bittersweet nature of holding on to those splintered memories that we should pull from under our nails but we've learned to live with. Intricate, understated plucking of acoustic guitar establishes the track's indie-pop framework, bolstered by the airy, layered vocals that pine emotional lyrics detailing the complexities of love's thorny, somber side. The chorus sees the subtle introduction of ambient percussion: syncopated claps and an eventual combination of kick drums, cymbals, and drum rolls that match the energetic crescendo before the song slows to a peaceful, fading stop. Pri Abrol is the moniker used by multitalented Priya Swendson, a college student from Cypress, California whose talents extend beyond the realm of music and into drama, creative writing, and cosmetology. Though Priya seems to excel at whatever she takes on, she is dedicated to her true passion: music. Awestruck by Taylor Swift, Priya does her idol plenty of justice in taking inspiration and creating fresh and substantive music with an endearing melancholic positivity. Written By George McSherry FOLLOW PRIYA:

A dreamy pop song that was written after a bad breakup, “Red X” reflects what many feel after a breakup. The soothing background music allows for the heartfelt and personal lyrics within the song to stand out, giving them a larger platform. While the song is more relaxed overall, there is still an upbeat feel to the song, creating a catchy feel to it. Listen to "Red X" here Starting with soothing melodies in the background with strong vocals, Victoria begins the song with heartfelt lyrics. Proclaiming that “your the best, I'm the worst, I'm the enemy” at the beginning of the song, she follows with “your words have taken all the space, I'm hiding in the corner in a room of shame”. While the background music of the song is relatively subdued, these strong lyrics are able to pop, allowing listeners to focus on the meaning and heartfelt pain behind them. Creating a stage that many are familiar with after a breakup, Victoria continues to progress the song with a similar lyrical pattern as well as with the subdued melodies. During the chorus and bridges of the song however, the beat picks up closer mimicking the flow of the lyrics to follow patterns of a heartbeat. A combination of their soothing beginning of the song, in conjunction to the upbeat ending, Victoria creates a catchy and relatable song for many listeners. A new pop artist, Victoria is based in New York City. Originally from Louisville, the artist has released multiple singles with “Red X” being her latest. With her debut song “Pink Carpet” only being released in 2021, Victoria has continued to release a couple songs within the year all showcasing her range of talents. Although just beginning, her musical career is sure to flourish. Written By Gillian Mena FOLLOW VICTORIA:

There is a special heartbreak that comes from losing a person you thought was permanent. When things are good, it can be easy to lose yourself in a relationship, relinquishing your single self in favor of the new, happier person that came from the love and support of a significant other. In his latest single “2 People,” Rowan Drake grieves two losses: his better half and the better version of himself he found in the relationship. Drake perfectly encapsulates the loss of someone you depend on. The emptiness of not knowing what to do with yourself or who to talk to when the one person with whom you feel safe talking about your pain is the one causing it. The song’s refrain- “when I lost you, I lost two people at once”- captures the desolation of not only losing your partner, but your support system, your identity. “2 People'' is not a song about regrouping after a breakup, or learning how to love yourself without external validation. Instead, it describes the crushing pain that directly precedes recovery, the darkness that has to be endured before a new light can be found. The song’s instrumental accentuates the feelings of emptiness Drake describes in his lyrics. The song is very sparse, almost solely carried by a piano and backing vocals, with a sparing use of synth pads in the chorus to add a supporting texture. There are many moments that feel as though they are building towards a climax, perhaps an entrance of drums or bass that would add a sense of movement, but this never comes, mimicking the aimlessness Drake is experiencing. When you lose someone who is an integral part of your identity, moving forward without them feels impossible. The repeated swelling of the song before inevitably returning to its starting point with no satisfying release reflects the feeling of going through the motions, and grief’s destruction of any motivation to find solace. 18 year old singer, songwriter, and producer Rowan Drake began dedicating himself to music after an injury ended his chances at a career in competitive snowboarding. After getting his start performing small shows in his hometown of Ithaca, NY, Drake relocated to Los Angeles with the hopes of building on his music career’s early promise. He has lobbied his talent into 15 thousand monthly Spotify listeners, and by posting snippets of his music has amassed over 75 thousand followers on Tiktok. Rowan’s 2020 single “Closure” can also be found on all music streaming platforms. Written By Liam Dun FOLLOW ROWAN:

A new anthem for romance songs, Franky’s “PDA” brings a cool tone to her music . With catchy beats and a chill melody, coupled with an upbeat chorus, her newest song is a surefire way to uplift someone's mood. Starting as a more chilled, layback pop song, the song quickly turns more upbeat with the presence of the chorus. The quicker beats and pop-like melody creates a catchy chorus for this song that listeners can relate to. Listen to "PDA" here The electric pop song begins with a simple strong beat in conjunction with a melody. Once the chorus hits however, the song gains more energy, creating an electrifying feeling within the song. The beats grow to be more prominent and the vocals strengthen. Another aspect is the background music to vocal ratio strengthens especially during the chorus, allowing vocals to pop more. Frankie also utilizes a strong lyrical pattern that makes her vocals stand out against the beat of the song. The Yorkshire (UK) based singer is making strides with her newest single. With over 69 thousand monthly listeners from the US and Europe, her platform has gained much growth over the years. After working with other artists, such as Icona Pop and Cheat Codes, in the past years, she has begun to start focusing on her personal music, and if “PDA” is any indication, her new music is sure to be a hit. Written By Gillian Mena FOLLOW FRANKY:

Nothing quite encapsulates the feeling of being entranced by a stranger than Matty Hendley's "Nobody Like U." When it comes to new infectious, mellow indie pop, this track definitely qualifies as an infectious anthem for lovesick teenagers and anyone who can relate to the song's message. Its rustic yet bewitching qualities make it such an engaging listen from beginning to end. Click here to listen to "Nobody Like U"! A summer indie love anthem for the ages, "Nobody Like U" is Matty Hendley's second single similar to the fantastical oeuvres of Conan Gray and Lauv. Adopting shimmering elements of indie pop with a tinge of country embedded with a mesmerizing acoustic banjo, this track oozes charisma and entrances the listener into a summertime symphony of newfound love and infatuation. "The lights come down on you, it's so, so good when you're in the room," chants Hendley, a perfect representation of the song's amorous message. I could picture this song fitting easily in a crisp, coming-of-age indie film, its ambiance is infectiously reminiscent of adolescence. Matty Hendley is a singer-songwriter based in Nashville who burst onto the scene with his first single, "i feel bad." Prior to his salient solo career, he had been the frontman for indie-folk group, Happy Landing. Following suit with his solo career in 2022, he focuses on the different avenues of love from vulnerability to infatuation while incorporating his indie-pop and indie-folk roots in the instrumentation. Written By Fatimah Bouri FOLLOW MATTY HENDLEY:

Rilee's debut single "Baby Disaster" oozes somber, cinematic grit and emotion. Dark, city streets welcome you with seedy, flickering neon signs. Varied scenes are illuminated epileptically, installations as unique as the colored lights above that you feel pressed against your closed eyelids. The futuristic cityscape is both deserted and full as the lights burst and vanish, your heart oscillating between awe, fear, and comfort. This lonely walk you take at night to contemplate and reminisce will provide catharsis if that's what you want. If you don't, just bop your head. The track opens with 80s-inspired, deep, heavy synthy bass that fades left and right, bouncing the uptempo rhythm. Rilee flows between two methods of delivering sensual lyricism: a rap-adjacent form of melodic spoken word that details the singer's frustration and a classic-pop, pitched-up falsetto that delivers emotional balance until it fades out at the song's end. Seek out this fine-tuned blend of synth-driven pop production and powerful, ranged vocals for an invigorating listen. Citing the undeniable combination of Rihanna and Britney Spears as her main influences, California native Rilee makes her idols proud here on her debut single, featuring maximalist production that provides the song with a satisfying depth you can sink your teeth into. Rilee has arrived on the scene, and she has made her claim, bringing huge suitcases full of sex appeal, mystery, talent, and, most importantly, vibes... absolute vibes. Written By George McSherry FOLLOW RILEE:

Starting with an electric pop background, Cassie Martins “lil 5i5” brings an upbeat mood to the table. With well thought lyrics in conjunction to the musicality of the background her newest single showcases her talent as an artist. While the background music of the song is upbeat and catchy, the lyrics tie everything together. As a whole an upbeat electric pop song is formed that is both catchy, as well as pleasing to the ear as a result of the various musical tactics present in the song. Listen to "Lil 5i5" here The song utilizes a mix of beats, background music, as well as vocals to tie together the song. One of the most notable aspects of the song itself is the lyricism and the lyrical breakdown within the various sections of the song. Within the beginning verses she utilizes the lyrics to go with the beat in order to make the song flow, but during the bridge the speech pattern changes. This not only changes the flow of the song, but emphasizes her words during this portion of the song. In the chorus she once again alters the flow to go smoothly with the beat allowing for a catchy chorus. Between her lyricism and the various flows of this song Cassie creates an exceptional display of musicality. Cassie is a Los Angeles based vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist. Since her 2016 debut with her songs “SOS” and “Love me well” she has gained over 19 thousand monthly streamers. This summer she will be releasing a 19 track album that she has written to display inner hardships, utilizing these hardships to empower herself and grow. If “Lil 5i5” is any indication of her work, what will come with this new album is sure to be a hit. Written By Gillian Mena FOLLOW CASSIE MARIN:

The somber feeling of being homesick is one that can feel hopeless. Feeling so far away from where you feel your best, where you leave behind the ones who love you and make you feel happy. A change in your environment can cause so many emotions to bubble up. These feelings are ones Josie Edie May knows all too well, and describes on her new track "Sea Salt." The track feels like a warm hug, an inviting feeling to welcome an embrace from someone you love. The instrumentation is folksy, it is almost space-like in the twinge of the guitar in the production. It feels vast, and very open, just like the ocean that May describes through the track. Pianos help keep this feeling centered as May's voice soars over the production. The lyrics are very vividly written, filled with elements of storytelling. May describes the pain she is feeling, through the imagery of floating in the ocean, "Sea salt water in our wound // A sharp pain that does you good // Wash away the broken skin // A tried mark that you forget // Close your eyes and clench your teeth // As you get used to the feeling of it // Lay on your back and stare at the sky // A salty tear joins the crashing tide." These emotions bring to life the emptiness she's feeling as time is moving so fast around her and changing things, "Floating as the time has stopped // In the palm of the sea, you shan't be dropped // Off shore, sailing, we have arrived at the coast // All structure and time, turned into a ghost." May describes that the feeling of homesickness occurs because home isn't just a place. That it's the people around us that brings us ground, "So strange in a place so large you feel so alone // Makes you realize, that when you say home it's not a number, or a seven-digit code, or a building on the side of the road // The people who fill you with love, laughter, and hope." Josie Edie May is a soft-pop, and country/folk artist based in Suffolk and Brighton in the United Kingdom. "Sea Salt" is her latest release, following the track "Washing Lines" from May 2022. May lists her biggest inspirations are Kacy Musgraves, Gabrielle Alpin, and Nina Nesbit. May's uniqueness in her craft comes from her beautiful voice, and the ability to tell stories through her lyricism. Her lyrics are full of depth, and are able to be interpreted through the mind in many different facets and ways. Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW JOSIE EDIE MAY:

If you ever felt overwhelmed and stressed when trying to 'reach for the stars,' or your ambitions, "Stars," by Drew Knight and Bradley Denniston should definitely be added to your playlist. Even when it "feels like you're falling," Drew Knight and Bradley Denniston are there to catch you through their powerful club-like dance music tied with their metaphorical lyrics and melodies; truly capturing the listeners attention. Drew Knight and Bradley Denniston's song, "Stars," is open to many interpretations. One could say that the song is about a heart-break, where a partner acts like a falling star, drowning in all their star-gazing memories with their ex significant other. Another, which I personally interpreted, could say that the song is about not being able to achieve your goals and ambitions. When these lyrics are sung in the chorus, "I'm falling into an ocean full of stars tonight" the listener could make a connection to the old saying, "Reach for the Stars," and think maybe the protagonist or singer of the song is drowning in their overwhelming stress of trying to succeed in life, whether that be romantically, financially or socially. Either interpretation or the listener's own interpretation is their own opinion but the message tied in with electronic club-like dance music will definitely have the song stuck in your head. DREW KNIGHT is a Synthwave/Retrowave artist from Florida. He may only have two singles under his belt but Knight is turning heads across the globe. For his new song, "Stars," he collaborated with the wonderful BRADLEY DENNISTON, who is a producer, engineer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based out of the city Los Angeles, California. Denniston has worked on major blockbuster movies and if you want to follow his journey along with Drew Knight be sure to follow their socials down below! Written By Troy Sica FOLLOW DREW KNIGHT: FOLLOW BRADLEY DENNISTON:

In "Lost Without You" Schueler sings about how he was completely lost in life before he found his love. He sings about how he's worried to let this incomplete part of him shine through and expresses how he feels as if this other person is the only thing that's keeping him afloat. Listeners are able to sympathize with Schueler because sometimes people do feel very lost in life when they don't have someone to ground them. He sings about how "all these other things don't feel right to me" and how he "wasted so much time chasing every high." He's worried that without them, he would be thrown off track again since everything is right in the world when they are around. One of the main aspects of this song that stands out is how the entire vibe of the song is so chill, but Schueler is still able to express the depth of emotion he feels about this topic. It's evident that this is a piece about a transition between some pretty extreme stages in life and Schueler captures the emotions and feelings tied in with this experience extremely well. His voice sounds so passionate, and his lyricism reveals how much importance this other person holds to him. Even though the melody is pretty chill, it still has a bit of a kick to it. There are some pretty powerful beats and a bit of energy in the melody overall. This piece truly is a great song that expresses finding your grounding through the person you love. New pop artist, Drew Schueler is a master at creating unique yet familiar songs full of vibrant vocals and melodies, electro-pop synth textures, electric guitar, and programmed beats, similar to Lauv, Justin Bieber, and LANY. Drew cut his teeth in Cincinnati and Nashville fronting and producing alternative pop bands but is now breaking into the pop mold. He not only wrote his entire debut EP (New Perspective ), but also played all the instruments, produced, and mixed the entire project himself. “I have always been fascinated by all aspects of creating music,” Drew said. “As with any kind of art, every tiny detail matters and I love knowing everything that goes into my music.” Along with his growing artist career, Schueler is a thriving songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer, working out of his studio in Nashville. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW DREW SCHUELER: